THE body of a middle-aged man has been found next to a Black Country railway line.

The grim discovery was made at about 6.50am next to the rail line between stations at Smethwick Galton Bridge and Rolfe Street.

Central Trains communications manager Ged Burgess said the line was shut for a time after the body was found but trains were quickly going through the area "with caution."

"The body was found at the side of the track and we do not believe there is anything suspicious about the death.

"The matter is in the hands of the British Transport Police and scenes of crime officers are investigating," he added.

Sgt Steve Jevons, of the British Transport Police, said the body was spotted by a train driver just before 6.50am. "The body was spotted by a train driver at the side of the track and an investigation into the death is under way.

"The injuries to the man were quite bad and it would appear he had been struck by a train at some stage. Trains were put on a go-slow through the area," he added.